Miracle on 34th Street: The Making of a Christmas Classic

Thompson (Twentieth Century Fox: A Century of Entertainment) pens a detailed history of Miracle on 34th Street, the 1947 film that became a Christmas classic. Written and directed by George Seaton, the movie features a Macy’s department store Santa named Kris Kringle (played by Edmund Gwenn, who won an Oscar for his role) whose sanity is questioned—and must be legally defended—when he claims to be the real Santa Claus. Thompson compiles bios of the cast members (including Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, and Natalie Wood), in-depth research on the history of the 34th Street shopping district in New York City, and notes on the film’s production, postproduction, publicity, awards, and adaptations. (Ironically, 20th Century Fox abruptly changed the film’s planned September release date to June 4, 1947, so no holiday themes were included in its advertising.) Thompson also shares Miracle on 34th Street film stills, movie posters, and memorabilia from his personal collection.